Hey there, I bought a rifle a while back that came with an older Redfield Scope. I don't really know anything about it and was wondering if any of you might know. It says Redfield 6x-18x on the side, and has some other stuff written throughout the scope: "Redfield Denver Colo. U.S.A Pat 3161716 or 2949816". There's some stickers on the top that say 4-Plex, and ACCU-RANGE 200-600. It seems to be a nice scope, so I'm debating between using this, or getting a little more modern $300-$400 scope. I'll be using it for elk hunting in AZ. Any thoughts/recommendations are greatly appreciated.

Those Denver Redfields were right at the top with the likes of Leupold,Burris,and Weaver back then. They can even still be serviced. I dealt with older scopes for a few yrs. Mainly steel tubed Weavers although I did have a 2.75x20 Denver Redfield. One concern is can you be sure the scope is dependable enough to get you through the worst conditions you'll encounter while hunting. The scope may look great but seals and lubrication do dry out. And then there's all the advancements in technology that's come about since that scope was made. I had a situation where I had to aim directly into a setting sun but couldn't make the shot because of the extreme glare from uncoated lenses. So a yr or so ago I sold most of my old scopes and upgraded. I did keep two that are sentimental favorites but don't use them on hard hunted rifles.

Yeah those are some good points. When it comes to straight up magnification and clarity, it seems to be pretty nice...it's all those other newer features that it's missing, like some you mentioned. I'll probably end up looking to get a more modern one.

I had a situation where I had to aim directly into a setting sun but couldn't make the shot because of the extreme glare from uncoated lenses.

Just to concur with what 300S&W said.Try looking towards a setting sun, I've found uncoated lens are a REAL let down in that regard, they glare up and in some lighting circumstances, typically when you're facing the sun. That however is a nice looking scope, there is a nostalgic attraction to those older redfields by some.

I have a new redfield revolution 3-9x40, they're what $150? I really like it, though apparently the Burris FFII and Vortex Diamondback are better at a slightly higher price, closer to $ 165 and $190.

"I don't know what World War III will be fought with, but I know World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones." - Albert Einstein

As much as I love vintage rifle scopes, the newer Burris', Bushnell, Vortex, etc. beat pretty much any optics made before 1990. I would not worry about that Redfield losing zero, but I would put that one on a classic .222 rifle for varminting. My personal favorite "modern" scope is a Bushnell Elite 3200, 4-12x40AO with range reticle. It has held zero on my Steyr 25-06 very well, has great optics in the early morning, and won't haze up at -5F. I would bet you can get one for around $250 or so on sale. If you stick with a 3-9x40 (perfect for most big game hunting, that's why there are so many made & sold), then you should have no problem getting one under $200.

YOUR REDFIELD ACCURANGE 6X18 WAS THE BEST I COULD BUY IN ABO 1965. I BELIEVE I PAID ABOUT $250 AT THAT TIME. IT IS AN EXCELLENT VARMIT SCOPE. - A BIT HIGH POWER FOR TYPICAL ELK. IF YOUR ANTICIPATED ELK HUNT PROMISES SHOTS IN EXCESS OF 500 YARDS, KEEP IT AND LOVE IT. FOR SHORTER RANGES, CONSIDER A 4X12.

TO USE THE RANGE FINDING: THERE ARE TWO HORIZONTAL CROSS HAIRS; SELECT AN OBJECT ESTIMATED TO BE 18 INCHES HIGH. ADJUST THE POWER SETTING SO THAT THE OBJECT FITS BETWEEN THESE CROSSHAIRS, THEN READ THE RANGE (IN YARDS) AT THE EDGE OF THE VIEW.

I HAVE USED MINE ON AN EXCEPTIONALLY ACCURATE 222 FOR 50 YEARS, MAKING MANY CLEAN ONE SHOT KILLS ON WOODCHUCK, QUITE A FEW WELL IN EXCESS ON 400 YDS.

I FOUND YOUR POST BECAUSE I AM LOOKING FOR ANOTHER TO PUT ON AN EVEN MORE ACCURATE 223 THAT I RECENTLY FOUND. (THREE ROUNDS IN TWO TOUCHING HOLES AT 100 METERS).

IF YOU DECIDE TO UPDATE, I AM INTERESTED IN YOURS. IF YOU DESIRE TO CONTACT ME, PLEASE AVOID MESSAGES LOST IN JUNK EMAILS BY PUTTING SCOPE IN THE SUBJECT MATTER.

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